Neuendorf demands a December decision on the Regionalliga reform
After a years‑long stalemate over the football Regionalliga decision, a decisive resolution is expected in December regarding the reform. The DFB board has on Friday, 11 September 2026, as of 11 September 2026, tasked the DFB secretary general with preparing an extraordinary DFB congress for 18 December, thereby clarifying the promotion rule into the 3rd League.
Majority requirements for the reform
In the meeting of the DFB board on Friday it was decided that only the DFB congress can amend the statutes necessary for a restructuring of the Regionalliga. Such an amendment requires a two‑thirds majority of the delegates. The decision is to be made in December so that the year does not end without a solution.
The initiative comes from DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, who in recent days has repeatedly emphasized that the reform and the associated promotion rule into the 3rd League must be implemented. Neuendorf is actively driving the Regionalliga reform forward and demands a clear result.
Tommy Haeder, spokesperson of the promotion reform initiative, responded: “We are very grateful that Bernd Neuendorf is now putting the words of Bernd Neuendorf into action.” He added that the baton now lies in the hands of the president and the issue must finally be resolved.
Compass model as core proposal
As a basis for the draft motions the DFB cites the so‑called Compass model. It proposes to reduce the currently five Regionalliga divisions to four, each division consisting of twenty teams. This proposal meets the demands of the initiative and many fan scenes. Within the framework of the model the competitive balance is to be improved.
Within the DFB however different ideas are being discussed. At a recent meeting an expansion of the 3rd League was brought up again, which would allow five relegated teams and would make a restructuring of the five Regionalligas unnecessary. In addition a dual‑track fourth professional league is being considered. However, the concept is controversially discussed.
A change of the statutes for the Compass model or the dual‑track fourth league requires a two‑thirds majority, while the expansion of the 3rd League only needs a simple majority. Therefore numerous discussions must still take place by December to secure the necessary majority.
The day of the decision is 18 December. As Neuendorf emphasizes, the promotion rule has occupied German football for years and must now be solved. The region demands clarity, and the fan scenes remain active to apply pressure, while the delegates weigh their votes.